Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for locating a tracking device, comprising: receiving, at a central tracking system, a location of a first tracking device of a user from a mobile device of the user, the mobile device configured to provide the location of the first tracking device to the central tracking system in response to receiving a communication from the first tracking device; receiving, at the central tracking system, a first location of a second tracking device from a scanning device, the scanning device configured to detect movement of a tracking device within a geographic region around the scanning device, the first location of the second tracking device within the geographic region; receiving, at the central tracking system, a second location of the second tracking device from the scanning device, the second location of the second tracking device within the geographic region and different from the first location; and responsive to the location of the first tracking device not being within the geographic region, sending, by the central tracking system, a notification to the mobile device of the user, the notification indicating that the second tracking device has moved.
The invention relates to a system for tracking and monitoring the movement of tracking devices, particularly when a primary tracking device is outside a monitored area. The problem addressed is the need to detect and alert users when a secondary tracking device moves within a specific geographic region, especially when the primary tracking device is not in that area. The system includes a central tracking system that receives location data from multiple sources. A user's mobile device provides the location of a first tracking device, which communicates with the mobile device to share its position. Additionally, a scanning device monitors a defined geographic region for movement of tracking devices. The scanning device detects and reports the first and second locations of a second tracking device within the region. If the first tracking device is outside the monitored area, the central system sends a notification to the user's mobile device, alerting them that the second tracking device has moved. This ensures users are informed of movement within the monitored area even when their primary tracking device is elsewhere. The system enhances security and awareness by leveraging multiple tracking sources and automated alerts.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the scanning device is located within a home of the user.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the scanning device is located within a place of employment of the user.
A system and method for monitoring and analyzing user behavior within a workplace environment. The invention addresses the need for employers to track employee activities, productivity, and compliance with workplace policies while ensuring privacy and efficiency. The system includes a scanning device positioned within the workplace to capture data related to user interactions with digital or physical assets. The scanning device may detect user actions such as device usage, movement patterns, or engagement with specific tools or documents. The collected data is processed to generate insights into productivity, workflow efficiency, and potential security risks. The system may also include privacy controls to limit data collection to relevant workplace activities. The scanning device can be integrated with existing workplace infrastructure, such as computers, access control systems, or surveillance cameras, to provide a comprehensive view of employee behavior. The method ensures that data collection is non-intrusive and aligned with organizational policies, helping employers optimize workplace performance while maintaining employee trust. The invention is particularly useful in environments where monitoring is necessary for compliance, security, or operational efficiency.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the scanning device is a mobile phone.
A mobile phone is used as a scanning device to capture images of physical objects, such as documents, barcodes, or other items, for digital processing. The mobile phone includes a camera and processing capabilities to analyze the captured images. The system may extract data from the images, such as text, patterns, or encoded information, and convert it into a digital format. This allows users to quickly digitize physical content using a widely available device. The method may involve preprocessing the captured images to enhance clarity, applying optical character recognition (OCR) to extract text, or decoding barcodes and QR codes. The extracted data can then be stored, transmitted, or further processed for various applications, such as document management, inventory tracking, or data entry automation. The use of a mobile phone as the scanning device provides portability and convenience, enabling users to perform scanning tasks on demand without requiring specialized hardware. The system may also include features to optimize image capture, such as automatic focus, lighting adjustments, or alignment assistance, to improve scanning accuracy. The extracted data may be integrated with software applications for further analysis or workflow automation.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the scanning device is a router.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the scanning device is a television set-top box.
A television set-top box is used to scan and analyze broadcast signals to detect and extract metadata from video content. The system captures broadcast signals, processes them to identify embedded metadata such as program titles, episode information, and broadcast times. The metadata is then extracted and stored for further use, such as content recognition, scheduling, or audience analytics. The set-top box may also compare the extracted metadata against a reference database to verify accuracy or update records. This method enables automated content tracking and metadata management in broadcast environments, improving efficiency in content distribution and monitoring. The system may also support real-time or batch processing of signals, depending on the application requirements. The extracted metadata can be used for various purposes, including content recommendation, ad insertion, or compliance monitoring. The set-top box may include hardware and software components to perform signal capture, metadata extraction, and data storage, ensuring reliable and scalable operation. This approach enhances the ability to analyze and utilize broadcast content metadata effectively.
7. A system for locating a tracking device, comprising: a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform steps comprising: receiving, at a central tracking system, a location of a first tracking device of a user from a mobile device of the user, the mobile device configured to provide the location of the first tracking device to the central tracking system in response to receiving a communication from the first tracking device; receiving, at the central tracking system, a first location of a second tracking device from a scanning device, the scanning device configured to detect movement of a tracking device within a geographic region around the scanning device, the first location of the second tracking device within the geographic region; receiving, at the central tracking system, a second location of the second tracking device from the scanning device, the second location of the second tracking device within the geographic region and different from the first location; and responsive to the location of the first tracking device not being within the geographic region, sending, by the central tracking system, a notification to the mobile device of the user, the notification indicating that the second tracking device has moved; and a processor configured to execute the instructions.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the scanning device is located within a home of the user.
A system for monitoring and managing household items includes a scanning device positioned within a user's home to detect and identify objects. The scanning device captures images or other data of items in the home, processes this data to recognize and catalog the items, and stores the information in a database. The system may also track the location of items within the home, allowing users to search for and locate specific objects. Additionally, the system can generate alerts or notifications if certain items are missing, misplaced, or require maintenance. The scanning device may use optical sensors, radio frequency identification (RFID), or other detection methods to identify items. The system may further integrate with smart home devices or mobile applications to provide real-time updates and control over household inventory. This technology addresses the challenge of managing and organizing household items efficiently, reducing the time and effort required to locate or track objects within a home environment.
9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the scanning device is located within a place of employment of the user.
This invention relates to a system for monitoring and managing user activities, particularly in a workplace environment. The system addresses the problem of tracking user interactions with devices or systems to ensure compliance, security, or productivity. The core system includes a scanning device that detects user activities, such as device usage or access patterns, and a processing module that analyzes this data to generate insights or enforce policies. The scanning device is strategically placed within the user's workplace to capture relevant interactions in real-time. The processing module may apply predefined rules or machine learning models to interpret the scanned data, identifying anomalies, unauthorized access, or inefficiencies. The system may also include a feedback mechanism to alert users or administrators about detected issues or provide recommendations for improvement. The invention aims to enhance workplace security, compliance, and operational efficiency by continuously monitoring and analyzing user behavior in the work environment. The scanning device's placement within the workplace ensures accurate and timely data collection, enabling proactive management of user activities.
10. The system of claim 7 , wherein the scanning device is a mobile phone.
11. The system of claim 7 , wherein the scanning device is a router.
A wireless network system includes a router configured to scan for nearby wireless devices and determine their locations based on signal strength measurements. The router transmits scanning signals and receives responses from nearby devices, analyzing the signal strength of these responses to estimate the devices' positions relative to the router. This system enables the router to detect and locate wireless devices within its coverage area, such as smartphones, tablets, or other network-enabled devices. The scanning process may involve periodic or event-triggered scans to update device locations dynamically. The router may also use additional techniques, such as triangulation or time-of-flight measurements, to improve location accuracy. This system is useful for applications like asset tracking, network optimization, or security monitoring, where knowing the positions of connected devices is beneficial. The router's scanning functionality may be integrated into its existing hardware and software, allowing seamless operation without requiring additional dedicated devices. The system ensures efficient and accurate device localization within a wireless network environment.
12. The system of claim 7 , wherein the scanning device is a television set-top box.
13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing executable instructions for locating a tracking device that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform steps comprising: receiving, at a central tracking system, a location of a first tracking device of a user from a mobile device of the user, the mobile device configured to provide the location of the first tracking device to the central tracking system in response to receiving a communication from the first tracking device; receiving, at the central tracking system, a first location of a second tracking device from a scanning device, the scanning device configured to detect movement of a tracking device within a geographic region around the scanning device, the first location of the second tracking device within the geographic region; receiving, at the central tracking system, a second location of the second tracking device from the scanning device, the second location of the second tracking device within the geographic region and different from the first location; and responsive to the location of the first tracking device not being within the geographic region, sending, by the central tracking system, a notification to the mobile device of the user, the notification indicating that the second tracking device has moved.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , wherein the scanning device is located within a home of the user.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , wherein the scanning device is located within a place of employment of the user.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , wherein the scanning device is a mobile phone.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , wherein the scanning device is a router.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , wherein the scanning device is a television set-top box.
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February 9, 2021
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